Marlins give no explanation for snubbing Braves manager Bobby Cox

Marlins president David Samson declined to comment on the Marlins’ refusal to recognize Braves manager Bobby Cox’s final game in South Florida.

Every city in which the Braves have played this season has had at least a scoreboard tribute to honor Cox, who is retiring after this season, his 29th as a big league manager, 25th with the Braves.
Cox managed his final game in Sun Life Stadium today without so much as a mention that this would be his final game here.

When asked about the snub on Sunday, Samson said: “No comment. We’re just not doing anything.”

Samson was then asked if the decision had anything to do with Cox’s criticism of Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria after Fredi Gonzalez was fired.

“We’re not commenting at all,” Samson reiterated.

Cox was critical of the Marlins after his good friend, Gonzalez, was dismissed in June.

“I know that guy (owner Jeffrey Loria) is unpredictable, but I was still (surprised),” Cox said the day Gonzalez was fired. “After everything he’s done for that guy, are you (kidding) me?”

“They’ve gone down to the end every year, playing their asses off. That guy (Loria) doesn’t appreciate anything.”

Cox, 69, has received some unusual and interesting farewell gifts.

St. Louis presented him with a signed, framed photograph of Stan Musial, who was Cox’s favorite Cardinal and one of his favorite players.

The Cubs gave him an original seat from Wrigley Field, which was the sixth seat in the row, and a No. 6 square from the hand operated scoreboard. Cox wears No. 6.

Cox received a three-night trip to a dude ranch and a fly-fishing rod from the Rockies and a Stetson cowboy hat and boots from the Astros.

Even two American League teams honored Cox. The Twins made a donation to a charity of Cox’s choice and the White Sox gave him a jumbo-sized humidor.

Cox is fourth on the all-time win list with 2,490. He trails Connie Mack, John McGraw and Tony La Russa.